The next Pontus Jansson? Leeds battle to sign Sweden international

Leeds are following Sweden international defender Linus Wahlqvist, according to a report.

Belgian news outlet Voetbal Belgie have claimed that country giants Anderlecht are monitoring the 19-year-old defender with January coming up.

However, the report also states that Anderlecht will face fierce competition from Leeds alongside Premier League side Stoke.

Wahlqvist is a natural right-back, who can cover across the defence in the centre-back and left-back positions.

He currently plays for Swedish top flight side IFK Norrkoeping, who are sat in third in their respective division and Wahlqvist was part of the league winning team in 2015.

The two-time capped Sweden international has two years left on his current contract and has made 34 appearances for his club this season in all competitions scoring two goals and providing three assists.

The Yorkshire giants brought fellow international Pontus Jansson in on loan from Torino in the summer and he has been a huge success following his move.

He has so far made 12 appearances for the club in the centre-back position and has helped Garry Monk’s team into sixth place in the Championship table.

Leeds scouts may now be thinking they’ve found someone else from Sweden who will be a success at the club, but it’s likely they will face competition for his signature.